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East Ayrshire

Unitary authority in southwest Scotland, created in 1996 from two districts of Strathclyde region.

Area

1,269 sq km/490 sq mi

Towns

Kilmarnock (administrative headquarters), Cumnock, Stewarton, Galston, Crosshouse

Physical

predominantly low-lying and undulating in the north, mountainous toward the south; Loch Doon; rivers Ayr, Irvine; Blackcraig Hill (700 m/2,298 ft); Loudoun Hill

Features

Burns' House Museum, Mauchline; Loudoun Castle Theme Park; Dunaskin Heritage Museum

Agriculture

dairy farming, sheep, beef cattle

Industries

textiles, light engineering, food and drink, printing

Population

(2001) 120,200

History at Loudoun Hill, Robert the Bruce defeated 6,000 of the Earl of Pembroke's men with a force of 600 in 1306

Economy Agriculture is an important industry in a predominantly rural area. The area's serious economic problems are particularly evident in the many rural towns which have lost their traditional industrial base of mining or textile production.

Environment There are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest and one country park.

Administrative history The districts of Cumnock and Doon Valley, and Kilmarnock and Loudoun were merged to form East Ayrshire in 1996. Prior to 1975, this area was part of the county of Ayrshire.

Auchinleck

Ayr (river)

Darvel